HS Code:
The category 'Mixtures for personal electric or electronic vaporizing devices' (often classified under HS Code 3824.99 or specific subheadings depending on the country) includes liquid mixtures, commonly known as e-liquids or vape juices, used in electronic cigarettes and similar vaporizing devices. These mixtures typically contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine (optional), and flavorings. This product category has seen significant growth due to the rising popularity of vaping as an alternative to traditional tobacco products, though it faces stringent regulations due to health concerns and varying legal statuses globally.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.1 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 850 million
40.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 600 million
28.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
9.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
7.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
4.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (in certain developing markets with strict vaping regulations)
Lowest Rate
0% (in free trade zones and countries with mutual trade agreements such as the EU)
Increasing demand for nicotine-free e-liquids
Driven by health-conscious consumers and regulatory pressures, manufacturers are diversifying product lines to include zero-nicotine options, boosting market accessibility in restricted regions.
2021-2023
Shift toward disposable vaping devices
Rising popularity of disposable vapes has indirectly increased demand for pre-filled e-liquid mixtures, impacting bulk e-liquid trade volumes in favor of integrated products.
2022-2023
Regulatory tightening in major markets
Stricter regulations, such as flavor bans in the US and nicotine caps in the EU, have slowed trade growth in some regions while pushing manufacturers to innovate with compliant products.
2020-2023
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intensified enforcement of flavor bans on e-liquids, targeting non-tobacco flavors to curb youth vaping, with significant implications for importers and manufacturers.
January 2023
Reduced trade volume for flavored e-liquids in the US market, pushing exporters to focus on tobacco and menthol variants or redirect to less regulated markets.
China, a leading exporter, introduced new export licensing requirements for vaping products to ensure compliance with international health standards, affecting global supply chains.
October 2022
Temporary disruptions in supply from China, increased costs for exporters, and a potential shift in market share to other manufacturing hubs like Malaysia.
The European Union updated its TPD regulations, mandating stricter labeling and notification requirements for e-liquids, alongside maintaining the 20 mg/ml nicotine cap.
May 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, but also standardized market entry requirements, benefiting larger manufacturers with regulatory expertise.